SimCity: Maxis says core problem "behind us", crashes down 92%

Maxis is slowly but surely getting SimCity up to scratch.

Overnight Maxis chief Lucy Bradshaw said the "core problem" with simply getting in to play the game "is behind us", and crashes had been reduced by 92 per cent from day one.

Server architecture and response time have been optimised and critical client updates have been issued. The latest of these, update 1.4, improved the "select a server" dialogue in the game launcher so it indicates which servers you have active cities on. Maxis also added a new server, Antarctica 1.

This work, according to Bradshaw, is "getting virtually everyone into the game and, once in, having a great time building cities and sharing regions".

Bradshaw's words appear to ring true. Eurogamer staff were able to play throughout Sunday with only the occasional interruption. I was booted from the server Europe West 3 in the early evening and was unable to reconnect, but other servers were available.

But she admitted there was still work to be done. "I had hoped to issue an 'All-Clear' tonight, but there are still some elements coming together," Bradshaw said. Maxis needs a few more days of data before it can claim the problem is completely solved and the game is running "100 per cent".

SimCity has endured a troubled launch, with servers buckling under the pressure of thousands of players throughout much of last week. Despite this, tens of thousands of new players were "streaming" into the game every day, Bradshaw said. "The confidence our fans have shown is truly humbling," she said.

"I can't begin to explain the way a development team feels when something you're proud of is threatened at launch. Our biggest fear was that people who love this franchise would be scared off by bad reviews about the connectivity issues.

"But you put your faith in us. You bought the game with the understanding that we'd quickly fix the server issues. For that support - that incredible commitment from our fans - we are deeply grateful.

"As the general manager of Maxis, I want you to know that we cherish your faith in us, and the love you've shown for this franchise.

"Thank you very much."